Community
13 September, 2024
We’re here... we care
JO Sinclair knows only too well the heartache of losing a child, and the unimaginable pain and grief that follows.
Having lost her precious daughter Crystal in 2019, Jo has since embarked on a journey that not only remembers and honours the once-vibrant teen, but also supports other families enduring similar heartbreak and loss.
This month is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and there could be no better advocate, locally, than Jo and the team of wonderful volunteers at the Crystal Lee Foundation.
Together they provide a shoulder, a listening ear, a support network, access to counselling and so much more for young cancer sufferers and their families.
The foundation’s beautifully presented opportunity shop at Koroit was this week adorned in splashes of bright yellow in recognition of all those who have travelled a cancer journey.
“Most people are unaware that paediatric cancer is the leading cause of death in children in our country,” Jo said.
“Those figures are frightening; no family should have to hear those devasting words, your child has cancer…..it’s earth shattering.
“Childhood cancer is at the very core of our foundation; it was why we were established and what drives us to keep doing what we’re doing.
“We’re here for families; we’re here for the young ones who are battling their own journey; we’re here for friends, for loved ones, for colleagues. A cancer diagnosis can impact far and wide.”
The Crystal Lee Foundation is providing a vital link between families and support services.
Their services are wide and varied depending on the needs of those who reach out.
“We can’t change the diagnosis but hopefully we can make it a little easier to cope,” Jo said.
“Our support is confidential and compassionate but it’s also practical and can take many forms – from private counselling through to providing fuel vouchers to help get families to and from appointments.
“Even something as simple as a coffee voucher can mean the world to someone going through such an emotional time.”
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) is recognised every September by childhood cancer organisations around the world.
This is a time to increase paediatric cancer awareness, support families facing childhood cancer and inspire funding for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support.
The Crystal Lee Foundation relies on donations from the community to continue its good work and, as such, works hard to ensure the success of its opportunity shops in Koroit and, more recently, in Hamilton.
The foundation’s Koroit shop is open from 10am-4pm Tuesday to Friday and always welcomes donations of items for sale.
“We have a wonderful group of volunteers who ensure our doors here, and at our new store in Hamilton, stay open and we honestly couldn’t operate without them,” Ms Sinclair said.
“I’m super proud of this shop and all that we have achieved so far. Our volunteers also share my enthusiasm and they just love coming here each week; it gives us all a sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging to something special.
“It is a small shop doing big things and that, together with the foundation, is one of my biggest and proudest achievements.”
